In this March 16, 2020, file photo, Neal Browning receives a shot in the first-stage safety study clinical trial of a potential vaccine for COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, at the Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute in Seattle. (File photo: AP)

China on Friday rejected allegations that hackers, who have links with the Chinese government, targeted biotech firm Moderna Inc, a leading U.S.-based coronavirus vaccine research developer, to steal data.

The accusations are baseless and without evidence, and China does not need to and does not engage in technology theft, foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a press conference.

In terms of independent research and development of the coronavirus vaccine, China is in a leading position in the world, Wang said, adding there is no need for the country to steal data.

"We are more worried that some intimate countries use hackers to steal Chinese technology," Wang told reporters.

"We urge the U.S. government departments and individuals to stop the practice of filthy and violating rumors," said Wang, calling on the media not to spread such unnamed and incorrect false news.